Stakeholders have called for ease of visa restrictions between Nigeria and South Africa to improve their bilateral relations.
They made the call during the Ambassadorial Forum themed; “South Africa-Nigeria Relations,” which was held in Lagos state
According to a Research Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Dr Joshua Bolarinwa, both countries are former British colonies, members of the Commonwealth of Nations and the African Union.
“Nigeria has a high commission in Pretoria and consulate general in Johannesburg. South Africa has a high commission in Abuja.
“During the apartheid era in South Africa, Nigeria was one of the foremost supporters of anti-apartheid movements, including the African National Congress; the Nigerian government issued more than three hundred passports to South Africans seeking to travel abroad during those trying years.”
The South Africa Consul General, Darkey Africa said that South Africa and Nigeria should be able to follow dialogue in settling whatever issues of conflict between them.
He explained that South Africa’s goodwill towards Nigerians was for their support during the apartheid era.
“This goodwill has greatly diminished due to the activities of Nigerian organized crime syndicates.”
The South Africa Consul General urged both countries to maintain political, economic and trade relationships at all levels.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Osayaba Gwa Osagie said that Nigeria and South Africa should have a special bilateral relationship with each other which could lead to a better understanding of both countries.
According to Mr Osagie, “If there is a special relationship, it will be profitable to their economies and ultimately benefit their citizens.”
PIAK
